Nunnie on the Sideline
By Nunnie Robinson,Westside Gazette Sports Editor
The Florida Panthers defeated the Edmonton Oilers 2-1 to win the franchise’s first NHL championship in its 30-year history. After blowing a 3-game lead, losing decidedly on the road, the Cats got back to their roots, great goal keeping, tenacious defense and timely shot making. Though the Conn Smythe Trophy, given to the series MVP, was awarded to Connor McDavid of the losing Oilers, I thought Panther goalkeeper Sergei Bobrovsky was equally deserving. The Stanley Cup, traditionally known as the most difficult professional sports trophy to win, was first handed to Alexander Barkov in honor of his consistent play throughout the series.
Despite losing 3 consecutive games to the Edmonton Oilers, the advantage remained with the Ice Cats. Why might you ask? Because they won 3 in a row, prior to the losing streak, giving them a decided edge which they took full advantage of. Monday night they righted the ship.
The Florida Panthers won the Stanley Cup, joining the Toronto Maple Leafs as the second team in league history to blow a 3-game lead only to win game 7 and subsequently the championship. Doing so at Amerant Bank Arena allowed them to match the 1945 Stanley Cup champion Toronto Maple Leafs who lost 3 consecutive games to the same Detroit club before denying the valiant Red Wings the Stanley Cup by winning game seven, ironically by the same 2-1.
Interest in pro hockey among minorities would increase if there were more players of African descent obviously, but also if ownership would do more outreach such as sponsoring clinics to not only teach the game but also the rules of the game. Go Ice Cats.
Willie Mays’ death at 93 years old penetrated the hearts of myriad sports fans, particularly baseball. One of the greatest to ever play the game, the Hall of Famer had a remarkable MLB career. What perhaps he didn’t realize was the impact he had on so many young impressionable boys like me who watched him and rooted for him with tremendous interest, intensity and expectation because the racial climate demanded greatness from our heroes. And yes, he was my hero. I emulated his walk, the way he ran and his famous basket catch with the palm/glub opened. I actually became pretty proficient at it. He did everything expertly: hit, hit for power, run, steal basis, play defense, and he had the personality that endeared fans to him. We all remember the over the shoulder catch in Candlestick Park, stopping almost instantly, whirling around and throwing ball back into the infield, preventing runners from advancing. Then I watched him hit 4 home runs in a single game and can anyone forget the old home run derby show. If he played today he’d be making more than Shohei Othani. Just thankful that I had the opportunity to witness greatness: Mr. Say Hey Kid himself- Willie Mays.
Finally, the brewing rivalry between rookie sensations Caitlin Clark and Angela Reese focused on play on the court instead of harsh fouls and negative rhetoric. It’s about the game people……
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